TV Service in Japan

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In the past, the best TV programming option for expatriates living in Japan has been to contract with one of the cable providers which offer a dozen or so popular English channels. In recent years, with the growth of internet-based content providers and VPN service usage to access geographically blocked content, the number of options has grown extensively. Here is an introduction to some of the basics.

Japanese Satellite/Cable TV

There are several large paid TV providers in Japan, however most have similar channel offerings and similar pricing of around JPY 5,000/month for their basic packages, with additional offerings of premium paid channels. The deciding factor between these providers is usually just which service area the housing falls under.

Sky PerfecTV!

Sky PerfecTV! uses either a satellite (two types: BS/CS110° or their own type of satellite) or runs through NTT’s fiber-optic line. English customer support is relatively good.

Internet-based Content Providers

The list of options for TV content based on the internet is endless: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Sling TV, YouTube, Amazon Video, etc. While many of these are well-known, Sling TV deserves a short introduction.

Sling TV

A real-time, channel-based internet streaming based content provider owned by Dish Network. You can get their basic package for only $20/month, which includes channels such as BBC America, CNN, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, HGTV, History, TBS, Food Network, the Travel Channel, and others; and add on any additional programming (sports channels, HBO, and many others) as you need.

Internet-based VPNs

While there has been a push to make content available universally, the availability of services is still somewhat lacking in Japan. To experience the full range of content available in your home-country for services such as Netflix or Hulu, or to access Sling TV or HBO Go at all, a VPN will need to be set up. There are limitless options available online which you can find through popular search engines at varying costs and quality.

In Japan, we can recommend the SonixNet VPN service offered by SonixNet (cost/application details), with US, Australia, UK, and France VPN offerings.

Internet-based Players

While internet-based content may be used directly through a computer or by connecting one to a TV, it may be preferable to use one of the following designated devices that connect to a TV or other display, hosts content apps, and has a remote controller.

They don’t actually come with any content, so you would need to make accounts directly with the content providers in order to stream on the devices. Please check in advance of purchase that the player supports the app for the content provider you are interested in using. You can purchase the devices abroad before moving to Japan, or after your arrival.

Roku Box

Amazon Fire TV

Apple TV

NHK

Japan has a national broadcasting service called NHK, and like the UK, this is funded through subscriptions which are mandatory for all resident families in possession of a television device. While there is a mandate, unlike the UK, there is no penalty in place for those who do not subscribe. They offer several channels which are viewable when a TV is connected to the cable outlets found in the walls of homes.

The offerings are for the most part only available in Japanese, so it is not an ideal resource for expatriates living in Japan. Please be aware that salespeople for NHK often go door-to-door visiting households which do not have a subscription for their service asking residents to sign up.